Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Blenkinsop Excerpts

Thursday 1st March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Tony Baldry]

Absolutely, and that demonstrates that communities throughout the country are very keen to keep their church bell towers in good order.

[Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Lab)]

4. What discussions the Church Commissioners have had with (a) the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport and (b) the Secretary of State for the Home Department on metal theft from war memorials situated on Church of England property.

[Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con)]

6. What steps are being taken to protect churches and churchyards against metal theft.

[Tony Baldry]

The Bishop of London, Anne Sloman, the chair of the cathedral and church buildings division of the Church of England, and myself have had numerous detailed discussions with a number of Ministers on the issue of metal theft from church property.

[Tom Blenkinsop]

Incidents of metal theft, including vandalism of war memorials, in the church diocese of York have increased by 61% in the past year alone. Would the hon. Gentleman be willing to meet me to talk about how we can help parishes in my constituency that are suffering from such crimes?

[Tony Baldry]

I would, of course, be very happy to do that.